IOC’s Bach launches Rio 2016 Olympic medals

With just under two months to the Opening Ceremony, Brazil has unveiled the bronze, silver and gold medals that the world’s top athletes will compete for in Rio 2016.

According to officials, the design of the medals celebrates the strengths of Olympic heroes and the forces of nature.

Much care has also been take to ensuring the sustainability of these new medals. Mining processes were carefully supervised to ensure the precious metals were ethically obtained and no mercury was reportedly used in extracting the gold.

The Games near as Brazil struggles with its worst recession in decades. Public opinion on the cost of hosting has divided many in Latin America’s largest country.